Witney News - Council backs litter heroes to support Keep Britain Tidy campaign

Council backs litter heroes to support Keep Britain Tidy campaign

This week sees the launch of Keep Britain Tidy's Great British September Clean - the national campaign which encourages more of us to get involved in keeping litter off our streets and out of the environment.

The focus is very much on keeping everyone safe whilst out litter picking this year, which is why Keep Britain Tidy is asking would-be 'litter heroes' to gather in groups of six or less to clean up in their local community in order to comply with current government guidance.

Local authorities across the country are lending their support by providing black sacks to residents and collecting the bags of litter.

Cllr Norman MacRae, Cabinet Member for the Environment at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "We are delighted to once again support Keep Britain Tidy on their annual campaign to highlight the issue of litter.

"Understandably how we do things this year has to be a little bit different. While residents aren’t able to collect litter picking kits from us just yet, as our offices remain closed, we are ready to supply them with bags and arrange for our contractor to pick up the collected litter.’

He added: "Litter is a persistent and unsightly problem across our district. Deliberate littering is not only anti-social but it is harmful to environment and our wildlife and is costly to remove.

"Spending just 15 minutes picking up litter makes a big difference so we would encourage residents to get involved and pledge their support by visiting the Keep Britain Tidy website."

It is estimated that litter costs local authorities £1bn annually to clear up. Each year the Council collects more than 400 tonnes of street litter and spends in excess of £1m on street cleansing.

The Great British September Clean runs from 11-27 September.

Anyone wanting sacks or to arrange a collection of litter should call 01993 861000 or email: [email protected]

Further details on how to get involved in this year's Great British September Clean can be found at www.keepbritaintidy.org/user/register

The website also provides Covid-19 guidance so litter picks can take place in the safest way possible.